This novel, It Ends with Us is an amazing book about abusive relationships and the inner workings of them. The story sheds a fantastic light and shows the perspective in an incredible way. I would recommend this book to anyone who will listen.
I think this book is very well written, actually. At first when I picked this book up I was expecting a normal romance story. Then, I was crazy over why Lily never left Ryle and was, still, not over Atlas. I was going absolutely insane of the fact that she, over everything that happened, was still with Ryle. I was fully convinced this man was a convenient obstacle for Lily and Atlas, but honestly, without Ryle I don't think this book would've lived up to its full potential. Which now just writing is like yeah, no shit, Ryle is basically why the story exists. I think after reading everything is coming down on me all at once. Many epiphanies.
When I started reading, I was convinced that this book was going to be an ordinary love triangle where Lily would have to choose new cool boyfriend to old childhood friend and like simple drama, but when I finally read through the whole story and read the authors note, the more I thought about it, the more this book made sense.
I absolutely hated the fact that Lily didn't leave Ryle the first time and I was starting to going insane over the fact that she didn't ever leave him and still forgave him. I got mad because like Lily, I couldn't understand why she just couldn't leave. The more I read the book the more everything made less sense, why didn't she leave? Why did she keep the baby? Why isn't she over Atlas? Why isn't she with Atlas? But I think it finally hit me when I read the authors note and when Lily was talking with her mother. I think as I read the book, Lily and I came to the realization of the whole thing, from completely thinking people who never left toxic and abusive relationships were weak or too scared to completely having empathy, or sympathy even. And honestly, I think thats the magic of the book. The author makes you feel what Lily is feeling, she makes you love Ryle, hate him, and fall in love all over again while being at the caution of what's going to happen. She takes you along on this emotional wave and before you know it, you're back at where you started. Confused and concerned.
I think there's just one flaw to this book and that's the absolute ROBBERY we had of Atlas and Lily. We only got to see them happy and together kind-of, sort-of, AT THE VERY LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK. You know what that does to a person? makes them insane, I think Colleen Hoover is out for everyone at this point, no one is safe. I enjoyed reading about them from the very first mention to the very last. I rooted for Atlas to be endgame and that's exactly what I got. 10/10 would re-read again.
Which brings me the whole cast of characters. Honestly, they're very well written, but for a hot second I truly thought that Ryle had no personality and the only thing going for him was a fantastic job that's gonna make millions. Near the end, you could really see that personality shine through which just makes me so happy to see that he was willing to change and accept everything that he's done. I was also glad that throughout the book Lily never once lost sight of what was true to herself and knew what to do even though it was hard, confusing, painful, and just mentally draining. She was just so mature and everyone too, I truly enjoyed seeing the decision making, thinking and feelings going through her head, it truly just brought a whole new level to the personality. But Atlas.
Honestly I'd do anything for this man. I think out of everyone he was truly my favorite along with Alyssa and her husband. They're the characters I thought I never needed. I thought Alyssa was an amazing friend despite being the sister of Lily's boyfriend. She was amazing and supportive through it all and I think we all need an Alyssa in our lives once in a while. Also her husband when Ryle came home early, they all deserve an award.
Overall, I will stick with my word. The last couple chapters of this book were truly amazing and really just crashed upon me all at once especially with the characters, Lily's journey was an honor to read and experience. I really have to give it up to Colleen Hoover, this really is an incredible book. Didn't make me cry but it did definitely give me perspective and empathy towards anyone in similar situations. It did its job and along the way told a beautiful and mature story.
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